Kendall County candidates jumping into 50th District race

Kendall County has placed a candidate in the Republican primary race to replace retiring State Rep. Kay Hatcher in the Illinois General Assembly to represent southwestern Kane County and northern Kendall.

And perhaps two or more candidates from that county soon could launch their campaigns, as well.

Julie Cosimo, a college administrator and instructor, of Oswego, has begun circulating petitions to place her name on the ballot in Illinois' 50th House District.

Cosimo, 46, said she has worked for Benedictine University in Lisle in that school's workforce development office for 16 years. She now oversees that office.

She said that experience has prepared her to focus on the needs to make Illinois a better destination for employers, by both making the state more business-friendly and creating a better-trained and educated workforce.

"We know that that Springfield is in turmoil," Cosimo said. "We all know about the high taxes, high spending and a big need for pension reform.

"But my main goal will be to improve the educational system, and to help people get jobs."

To date, the only other candidate to formally declare in the race is Beth Goncher, of Aurora, who now serves as legislative aide to retiring State Rep. Tim Schmitz, R-Batavia, who represents a different district.

The 50th District seat opened up after State Rep. Kay Hatcher, R-Yorkville, announced earlier this summer that she was not seeking re-election in 2014.

The field of candidates to succeed Hatcher could become crowded in coming days.

Former Blackberry Township Supervisor David Richmond confirmed that he is considering jumping into the fray. He took runs at state legislative office in 2008 and 2012.

"This is natural for me," Richmond said. "I have a lot of good supporters encouraging me to run."

He said he intends to begin circulating petitions soon.

And the candidate pool could go deeper with others, including past 50th District candidate and past Kendall County Republican Party Chairman Keith Wheeler, of Oswego.

Wheeler has also yet to formally announce, but said on his website that he and his family "are strongly considering a run" as he said he has "been contacted by many, many Republicans asking that I consider running for the Illinois General Assembly."